Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made FIFA World Cup history with a record-breaking performance, scoring twice in a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash on Tuesday.
Key Highlights:
- Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5–0 win over Uzbekistan.
- He became the first player to score in six World Cups.
- Nuno Mendes, an own goal, and Rafael Leão completed the scoring.
- Portugal moved to the top of Group K.
- Portugal next face Colombia; Uzbekistan play DR Congo.
The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute, becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup, behind Roger Milla, who achieved the feat at the age of 42 in 1994.
Portugal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opening match, responded in emphatic fashion against the World Cup debutants.
Left-back Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s lead in the 17th minute with a brilliantly struck direct free-kick before Ronaldo grabbed his second goal just before halftime, calmly finishing after an excellent assist from Bruno Fernandes.
Uzbekistan’s hopes of a comeback faded further after goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov scored an unfortunate own goal in the 60th minute while attempting to deal with a corner. Substitute Rafael Leão completed the rout with a powerful finish three minutes from time.
The victory moves Portugal to the top of Group K, although Colombia could reclaim first place if they defeat DR Congo in their next group match. Uzbekistan remained without a point after two matches.
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Ronaldo’s brace also saw him surpass Portuguese legend Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup. He now has 10 World Cup goals, having scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions of the tournament.
The veteran forward, who had faced criticism following his quiet display against DR Congo, delivered a statement performance and came close to completing a hat-trick before a goal-line clearance denied him.
After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo celebrated by shouting, “I’m back, I’m back,” as Portugal secured their first win of the tournament in style.
Portugal will next face Colombia in a decisive Group K encounter, while Uzbekistan will take on DR Congo as they seek their first points of the competition.
